In appreciation of the long-term support and contributions of foreign friends to Dalian’s economic development and social progress, and to enhance the city’s business environment and drive high-quality development, the 2025 Spring Festival Reception for Foreign Friends in Dalian was recently held at the Dalian International Conference Center. Xiong Maoping, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Municipal Committee, attended the event. Chen Shaowang, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Municipal Committee and Mayor, delivered a Spring Festival greeting. Also in attendance were Gong Fuqing, Chairman of the Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and Liu Hong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Municipal Committee. Four international students from the International Students’ Education Center of our university, representing four different countries, were invited to the event. They joined more than 200 Chinese and foreign guests to celebrate the Spring Festival, make friends, and discuss a bright future together.

On the third floor of the Dalian International Conference Center, the venue was festooned with colorful lanterns and decorations, radiating a warm and festive atmosphere. During the reception, international students from Dalian Maritime University, alongside Chinese and foreign guests, enjoyed a variety of cultural activities. They watched vibrant lion dance performances, experienced the charm of intangible cultural heritage, and savored traditional Chinese cuisine, fully immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of Chinese New Year celebrations. In the intangible cultural heritage exhibition hall, the students had hands-on experiences with traditional Chinese art forms such as shadow puppetry and sugar-blowing. They also explored and were amazed by a wide array of cultural treasures, including traditional cheongsams, Dalian shell carvings, leather carvings, bird-insect seal carvings, clay sculptures, and the art of flower arrangement. In the local specialties section, various districts, counties and open pilot areas showcased their unique products and cultural and creative items. From traditional snacks like tanghulu and marshmallows to local delicacies such as Zhuanghe giant strawberries and Changhai sea cucumbers, the diverse offerings received high praise from both Chinese and foreign guests.

During the performance segment, international students from our university, alongside peers from other Dalian institutions of higher learning, delivered a heartfelt rendition of the song "We Are a Family, a Loving Family." The lyrics, "Because we are a family, a loving family," resonated deeply with all foreign friends in Dalian, striking a chord with all the guests. The performance sparked enthusiastic applause and lively interactions between the stage and the audience, bringing the reception to a perfect and memorable conclusion.

The successful hosting of this Chinese New Year reception not only demonstrated Dalian municipal government’s steadfast commitment to its mission, gratitude, and proactive efforts to empower high-quality development through high-level openness, but also showcased its firm resolve to work hand in hand with international friends to advance the high-quality development of Dalian’s "Two Pilot Areas." Furthermore, the reception provided foreign friends with a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding and appreciation of traditional Chinese culture, fostering cultural awareness and emotional resonance. It also served as a bridge for promoting mutual cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and the rest of the world. For the international students from our university, it was the second consecutive year that they have been invited to perform at the Dalian Spring Festival Reception for Foreign Friends. The students’ outstanding performance vividly showcased the remarkable achievements of Dalian Maritime University in nurturing international talents who understand, befriend, and cherish China. In recognition of their contribution, the Foreign Affairs Office of Dalian Municipal Government sent a letter of appreciation, commending the participating students and faculty for their efforts. Looking ahead, the International Students’ Education Center will continue to fulfill its mission of supporting regional economic development and high-quality social progress. By attracting and cultivating more high-caliber international talents, the center aims to present a more open and vibrant Dalian to the world, contributing to the city’s transformation into a "high-level open gateway and hub with seamless domestic and international connectivity"—a true Northern Pearl.